Darts is a game enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and one of the most accessible forms of the game involves using darts with plastic tips. These darts are especially popular in casual settings, electronic dartboards, and youth leagues.
Also setting up a dartboard for plastic tips in your home is a safer way – there is no steel tips on darts so you can’t damage things as easily.
In this article, we’ll explore what plastic tip darts are, their advantages and disadvantages, how to choose the right ones, and tips for maintaining your tips.
1. What Are Plastic Tip Darts?
Plastic tip darts are equipped with a soft, flexible tip made of plastic or rubber, designed specifically for use on electronic dartboards. Unlike traditional steel tip darts, which have a sharp metal point, plastic tip darts feature a blunt point that easily fits into small holes on electronic boards, allowing for safe play without the risk of injury.
These darts come in various weights, sizes, and styles, making them suitable for beginners, casual players, and even some competitive environments. To find the best plastid tip darts option for you keep reading – we will discuss that further down in the article.
2. Advantages of Plastic Tip Darts
1. Safety
One of the main advantages of plastic tip darts is their safety. The soft tips significantly reduce the risk of injury, making them ideal for environments with children or inexperienced players. They are less likely to cause damage to walls, floors, or furniture if a throw goes awry.
Playing with plastic tips also means even small children can have some throws under the adult supervision.
2. Compatibility with Electronic Dartboards
Plastic tip darts are specifically designed for use with electronic dartboards, which are popular in bars, homes, and recreational settings. These boards use sensors to register scores when the soft tip darts land in designated areas, making it easy to keep track of points without manual calculations.
So when you are using plastic tips and an electronic dartboard, the machine is doing all the counting for you – you just have to play the game, throw the darts and that is it! It is quite convenient when you are just getting into the game and you have one thing less to think about.
3. Affordability
Plastic tip darts tend to be more affordable than their steel tip counterparts, making them accessible for new players or those who play casually. Additionally, the darts can be replaced easily and at a low cost if damaged.
One thing you have to buy in bulk is the plastic tips – they tend to break from time to time so you have to change them. The positive thing is, the tips are not expensive, so just something to keep in mind.
4. Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Plastic tip darts are generally lighter than steel tip darts, which can be advantageous for players who prefer a less heavy dart. The lightweight design can make it easier for beginners to handle and throw the darts effectively.
3. Disadvantages of Plastic Tip Darts
1. Less Durability
While plastic tip darts are affordable, they are not as durable as steel tip darts. The plastic tips can wear down, bend, or break over time, especially with frequent use. This means players may need to replace the tips or the entire dart more often.
There is a wide variety of selections for different plastic tips, so to know which one will be best for you will come through trial and error. One of the best on the market in our opinion currently is Cosmo plastic tips plus, you can´t go wrong with them!
2. Limited Performance for Advanced Play
Plastic tip darts are generally not recommended for professional or high-level competitive play. Advanced players often prefer steel-tip darts for their stability and precision. Since you are throwing at the electronic board where there are pre-made holes for plastic tips, you have limited possibilities where the dart will end up. With steel tips, you can group them closer together so ending up with 3 darts in treble 20 might be easier with steel darts.
The lighter weight and softer tips can impact the throw and overall performance.
3. Compatibility Limitations
Plastic tip darts are designed specifically for electronic dartboards. If you attempt to use them on a traditional bristle board, they will not stick and will instead bounce off, rendering them ineffective for that purpose. So since most pubs and darts bars only have classic bristle dartboards, you can not play with your own darts over there.
4. Choosing the Right Plastic Tip Darts
When selecting plastic tip darts, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right set for your needs:
1. Weight
Plastic tip darts are available in various weights, typically ranging from 14 to 20 grams. Beginners may prefer lighter darts for easier handling, while more experienced players might opt for heavier options for greater control and accuracy. Usually professional player steel darts are around 22-24grams, that is one of the limitations for soft tip darts as well – you can not go as heavy as traditional darts.
2. Barrel Design
The barrel design can greatly affect how the dart feels in your hand. Barrels come in various shapes and textures, with options for knurled grips, smooth surfaces, or ribbed designs. Choosing a comfortable barrel that suits your grip style is crucial for consistent throwing.
Here the two main things you have to look at are the shape of the barrel and how grippy it is. Ideally you want to test out several different styles so you can choose which one is best for you.
3. Flight Shape and Size
The shape and size of the flight also impact the stability and trajectory of the dart. Standard flights are larger and offer better stability, while slim flights reduce drag and allow for faster flights. Experimenting with different flight types can help you find the best fit for your playing style.
4. Shaft Length
The length of the shaft (or stem) can affect how the dart flies. Shorter shafts may provide a more direct throw, while longer shafts offer better stability. Like flights, trying different lengths can help you find what works best for you. When choosing shaft you have to take into consideration how long the barrel is as well – the longer the barrel is then the shaft has to be shorter – to compensate the overall length of the dart.
5. Tips for Maintaining Plastic Tip Darts
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your plastic tip darts. Here are a few tips to keep your darts in good condition:
- Inspect Regularly: Check the tips and shafts for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any broken or bent parts immediately to maintain performance. Changing out the broken tips before throwing makes sure you will not damage the other parts as well – the parts of the dart that cost more.
- Store Properly: Store your darts in a protective case when not in use. This prevents accidental damage and helps maintain their shape and integrity. Plastic tips should be stored in a place where they will not be exposed to sunlight!
- Clean After Use: Wipe down your darts after use to remove any dirt or debris that could affect their performance. This is especially important for electronic dartboards, where a clean tip ensures proper scoring. If your hands to sweat more then keep a towel next to you even when you are playing – you want to minimize the things that can alter your throw.
- Practice Good Throwing Technique: Developing a consistent throwing technique will help reduce wear on your darts. A controlled throw minimizes the chance of damage from missed throws. Also, it makes sure your body will not have any pain and you can play darts every single day!
6. Conclusion for Darts with Plastic tips
Plastic tip darts are an excellent choice for casual play, youth leagues, and anyone looking for a safe and fun way to enjoy darts. With their lightweight design, compatibility with electronic boards, and affordability, they offer a fantastic introduction to the game.
While they may not be the best option for advanced competitive play, understanding their features and maintenance will ensure that players can enjoy many games of darts safely and effectively. If you want to take darts more seriously, consider upgrading your setup and moving on to steel darts! To know more about what you have to consider when buying steel darts, head over to our article about steel tips tips!
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a casual player looking for a fun activity, plastic tip darts provide a great way to enjoy the sport without the added risks of traditional steel tip darts.
